Free Sweet Summer Sunflower Bag (Detailed Pattern)

This cheerful tote bag is made from sunflower-inspired granny squares using a variation of the Starburst Granny Square. It’s a great project for practicing textured stitches and simple construction while creating a sturdy, stylish bag perfect for everyday use.

Materials

Hook

• US G6 / 4.0 mm crochet hook

Yarn (Worsted Weight Cotton Recommended)

• Ivory (main/background color) – approx. 3.5 oz
• Curry / Yellow – approx. 1.75 oz
• Antique Gold / Caramel – approx. 1 oz
• Brown (center) – approx. 0.75 oz

(Cotton yarn is strongly recommended for durability and structure.)

Other Tools

• Tapestry needle (for sewing & weaving ends)
• Scissors

Finished Size

• Approximately 11 inches wide × 19 inches tall (including handles)

Special Stitches (Important)

Puff Stitch

1. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch.
2. Pull up a loop to double crochet height.
3. Repeat this process 3 times total (you should have 7 loops on hook).
4. Yarn over, pull through all loops.
5. Chain 1 to secure.

Bobble Stitch

1. Yarn over, insert hook into space.
2. Pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (partial dc).
3. Repeat until you have 5 loops on hook.
4. Yarn over, pull through all loops.
5. Chain 2 to secure.

Step 1: Make Sunflower Squares (Make 13)

Each square has 4 rounds.

Round 1: Center (Brown)

1. Chain 5, join with slip stitch to form a ring.
2. Chain 3 (counts as first dc).
3. Work 15 double crochets (dc) into the ring.
4. Join with slip stitch to top of ch-3.

Total: 16 stitches
Fasten off and weave ends

Round 2: Puff Petals (Antique Gold)

1. Join yarn in any stitch.
2. Work 1 puff stitch in each stitch around.
3. Join with slip stitch.

Total: 16 puff stitches
Fasten off

Round 3: Bobble Petals (Curry/Yellow)

1. Join yarn in any space between puff stitches.
2. Work 1 bobble stitch in each space around.
3. Join with slip stitch.

Total: 16 bobble stitches
Fasten off

Round 4: Squaring the Circle (Ivory)

This round transforms the circle into a square.

1. Join yarn in any space.
2. Work 3 dc in that space.

Corners (Make 4 total)

In every 4th space:

• Work: (3 treble crochet, ch 2, 3 treble crochet)

Between Corners (Sides)

Work the following between corners:

• 3 dc
• 3 half double crochet (hdc)
• 3 dc

3. Continue this pattern around.
4. Join and fasten off.

Your square should now be flat and even
Weave in all ends neatly

Step 2: Assembly

1. Arrange your 13 squares in your desired layout (commonly a grid with one center panel).
2. Use whip stitch or preferred joining method:
   • Align squares edge to edge
   • Sew through both loops for a strong seam

Forming the Bag Shape

1. Fold the layout so the sides come together.
2. The top edges will form two peaks (for handles).
3. Sew:
   • Both side seams
   • Bottom seam

Turn bag right-side out after sewing

Step 3: Border & Handles

Use Ivory (main color).

Round 1: Top Edge

• Work single crochet (sc) evenly around entire top edge.

Important (Valleys between squares):

• Either:
  • Skip the join stitch
  • OR crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)

Be consistent throughout

Round 2: Create Handles

1. Sc until you reach first peak.
2. Chain 70 (or preferred handle length).
3. Skip across to the opposite peak and attach with sc.
4. Continue around.
5. Repeat for second handle.

Rounds 3–4: Strengthen Edges

• Work sc around entire bag and handles.
• Crochet across chain handles as well.

Tip:

• Use decreases at side valleys to keep shape neat and flat.

Rounds 5–6: Inner Handle Reinforcement

1. Attach yarn to inside edge of handle opening.
2. Work sc around inner opening.
3. Decrease at center valleys.

This strengthens handles and improves appearance

Helpful Tips

Yarn Choice

• Cotton = sturdy, less stretchy, better structure
• Acrylic = softer but may stretch over time

Handle Length

• Adjust chain length to preference
• Test by holding bag before finalizing

Even Edges

• Always treat valleys the same way (skip or decrease)
• Inconsistency causes uneven shaping

Optional Lining

• Not required, but recommended if carrying small items
• Use fabric lining for extra durability

Skill Level

Beginner to Advanced Beginner
Great for learning:

• Granny squares
• Puff & bobble stitches
• Bag construction

Download Free Pattern PDF: